If you have a craving for a hearty and comforting Italian-American classic, this Meatball Parmesan Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Juicy, tender meatballs baked to perfection and smothered in rich marinara sauce with gooey melted mozzarella and a crispy Parmesan topping create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe balances simplicity and indulgence in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Building the perfect Meatball Parmesan Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. From the savory ground meat to the aromatic herbs and the creamy cheeses, every component plays a vital role in making this dish irresistible.
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork): Provides juicy, flavorful meatballs with great texture.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the mixture together.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor inside the meatballs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant and savory base note.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Freshens and brightens the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herbs for depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, spicy kick.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The luscious tomato sauce that ties everything together.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): Creates a golden, flavorful crust.
- Olive oil for baking or pan-frying: Helps with browning and adds richness.
How to Make Meatball Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or beef-pork mix, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together using your hands, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs—aim for uniform size so they cook evenly. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are perfectly browned and cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F. If you prefer, you can pan-fry them in olive oil until all sides are nicely browned and the meat is cooked through, adding a delicious seared crust.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake with Sauce and Cheese
Reduce your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Place the cooked meatballs on top of the sauce, then ladle the remaining marinara evenly over them. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese on top, creating that signature cheesy layer. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden perfection.
How to Serve Meatball Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the finished dish adds a lovely pop of color and herbal brightness that lifts the rich flavors of your Meatball Parmesan Recipe. For a little extra zing, a few crushed red pepper flakes can bring a subtle heat that balances the creamy cheese and tangy tomato sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic pasta like spaghetti or penne to catch all that delicious sauce. Garlic bread or soft sub rolls make for perfect mopping tools. If you want to keep things lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps refresh the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these meatballs on toasted hoagie rolls topped with some extra marinara and melted provolone for a hearty meatball sub. You could also portion the meatballs into mini ramekins or small skillets for individual servings that look charming and make for easy entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover meatball parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld even further, making the next day’s meal even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze meatballs either before cooking or after baking with sauce and cheese. Place raw meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cooked, sauced, and cheesy meatballs freeze best in airtight containers with plastic wrap covering the surface to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted again. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings, but reheating in the oven helps keep everything evenly warm without drying out the meatballs.
FAQs
Can I use other meats besides beef or pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner version, though you may want to add extra herbs or a bit of olive oil to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
Do I have to bake the meatballs before adding the sauce and cheese?
Baking or pan-frying the meatballs first ensures they hold together and develop a nice crust. Adding them raw straight into the sauce can make them fall apart and result in a different texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture or stir some into the marinara sauce to give your Meatball Parmesan Recipe a bold, spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure your marinara sauce does not contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely. Meatballs can be assembled and frozen before cooking or fully cooked and frozen after assembling with sauce and cheese. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze when you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Parmesan Recipe is truly a warm hug on a plate, combining beloved flavors with simple techniques to create a crowd-pleasing Italian-American classic that feels homemade and special every time. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish deserves a spot on your recipe rotation. Go ahead, make it for your friends and family—you’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Meatball Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Meatball Parmesan recipe is a delicious and comforting Italian-American classic featuring juicy, seasoned meatballs baked to perfection, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for baking or pan-frying
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined to maintain tender meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs evenly sized and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake or Pan-Fry Meatballs: Bake meatballs for 18–20 minutes until browned and cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F. Alternatively, pan-fry them in a skillet with olive oil until browned on all sides and fully cooked.
- Prepare for Baking with Sauce: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Assemble Dish: Arrange the cooked meatballs over the sauce, pour the remaining marinara sauce on top, then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella and additional grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake with Cheese: Bake for 15–20 minutes at 375°F until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra parsley. This dish pairs excellently with pasta, sub rolls, or a side salad.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or sauce.
- You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before or after baking for convenient future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
